“Flock Safety” Proves Early Success

Newly-Adopted Technology Helps WPD Identify Crime-Involved Vehicles

Last year, the Westerville Division of Police (WPD) installed 21 Flock Safety Falcon cameras, a public safety product designed for law enforcement. The system of cameras are installed on public infrastructure (like electric poles) and use License Plate Reader technology to identify stolen or other crime-involved vehicles.

The system has been an early success in Westerville, says WPD Investigations Lieutenant Justin Alloway, noting at least 12 cases in five months where investigators have linked vehicles to the crimes, identifying and arresting those drivers. Among the most notable cases was a late-June road-rage incident that resulted in gunfire in a Westerville neighborhood.

On June 26, two drivers became involved in an altercation while traveling on Polaris Parkway. Continuing on Worthington Road, one vehicle headed into the Lori Lane neighborhood in the City’s far northwestern region. As the two vehicles turned onto Leighway Drive, two motorists in one vehicle pulled ahead, firing seven shots at the other car. The victim from that vehicle was shot in the leg.

Alloway says investigators were able to identify the shooters and their vehicle from the Flock Safety cameras within an hour.

“Not only did we have a very good description and images of the vehicle from Flock and neighborhood doorbell cameras, but we were able to save time with specific search parameters on the make and model and find a distinctive bumper sticker,” he said. “This led us to the owner’s information through the BMV and we were able to make that arrest quickly.”

Alloway says law enforcement agencies can also use this technology to partner and collaborate. For example, if a crime is committed in Westerville and the vehicle heads into other jurisdictions, WPD can quickly connect with those agencies’ cameras and follow the path of travel.

“In law enforcement, the Flock Safety system is referred to as a force multiplier,” said Alloway. “It’s an aggregate of massive amounts of data accessible for public safety that has allowed WPD to make arrests on violent crimes, find stolen vehicles and stop reckless drivers. Westerville streets are safer because of this program.”

Image caption: The new Flock Safety camera system aided in the arrest of a suspect within hours of the road rage shooting on June 26, 2023.